Absorbent article having waist gasketing element

ABSTRACT

An absorbent article for wearing about the lower torso of a wearer includes a first waist region having a first waist edge, a second waist region having a second waist edge, and a crotch region disposed between the first and second waist regions. The article further includes a first longitudinal edge, a second longitudinal edge, and a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet. A waist gasketing element is disposed in one of the first or the second waist regions and joined to the chassis in a chassis attachment region. The waist gasketing element comprises an outboard lateral edge and an inboard lateral edge. The chassis attachment region comprises a first zone proximate to the outboard lateral edge and a second zone disposed longitudinally inboard of the first zone. Each of the first and the second zones comprise one or more chassis attachment bonds. The first zone comprises a first total basis weight and the second zone comprises a second total basis weight, wherein the second total basis weight is greater than the first total basis weight.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to absorbent articles (e.g., diapers, adultincontinence articles) having waist gasketing elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It has long been known that absorbent articles such as conventionalabsorbent articles (e.g., diapers, adult incontinence articles, femininehygiene pads) offer the benefit of receiving and containing urine and/orother bodily exudates (e.g., feces, menses, mixture of feces and urine,mixture of menses and urine, etc.). To effectively contain bodilyexudates, the article should provide a snug fit around the waist andlegs of a wearer.

Manufacturers often use elasticized areas, such as elasticizedwaistbands, within the article to help achieve a snug fit. Elasticizedwaistbands are often discrete components joined to other components ofan absorbent article (i.e., the chassis) by one or more bonds. In orderto ensure the waistband remains attached, the attachment bonds must besufficiently strong. However, the strength of attachment bonds oftencounteracts other desirable properties such as surface softness andsmooth edges, particularly where the waistband edge contacts thewearer's skin. Indeed, higher amounts of bonding material, larger bonds,and/or a higher number of bonds can create rough edges and surfaces onthe waistband. Moreover, when adhesive is the bonding material, saidadhesive may become exposed during manufacturing and/or handling andconsequently may come into contact with the end user.

Therefore, there is a need for an article having an attached waistbandwhere there is a more effective balance of bonding strength withdesirable tactile and/or safety properties. There is also a need for anarticle having a waistband that has a high quality garment-likeappearance. Further, there is a need for a cost efficient and effectiveprocess for manufacturing articles with elasticized waistbands.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An absorbent article for wearing about the lower torso of a wearerincludes a first waist region having a first waist edge, a second waistregion having a second waist edge, and a crotch region disposed betweenthe first and second waist regions. The article further includes a firstlongitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge; and a chassiscomprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposedbetween the topsheet and backsheet. A waist gasketing element, having aninboard lateral edge and an outboard lateral edge, is disposed in one ofthe first or the second waist regions and joined to the chassis in achassis attachment region.

The chassis attachment region comprises a first zone proximate to theoutboard lateral edge and a second zone at least partially disposedlongitudinally inboard of the first zone. Each of the first and thesecond zones comprise one or more chassis attachment bonds.

The first zone comprises a first aggregate bond area and the second zonecomprises a second aggregate bond area, and the second aggregate bondarea may be greater than the first aggregate bond area. Additionally oralternatively, the first zone comprises a first aggregate bond strengthand the second zone comprises a second aggregate bond strength, whereinthe second aggregate bond strength is greater than the first aggregatebond strength. Additionally or alternatively still, the first zonecomprises a first total basis weight and the second zone comprises asecond total basis weight, wherein the second total basis weight isgreater than the first total basis weight.

Methods for creating articles comprising waist gasketing elements arealso disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary embodiment of anabsorbent article as detailed herein. The absorbent article is shown ina flat, uncontracted state.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross sectional view of the waist gasketingelement disposed in the second waist region of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a waistgasketing element as detailed herein. The waist gasketing element isshown in a flat, uncontracted state.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a waistgasketing element as detailed herein. The waist gasketing element isshown in a flat, uncontracted state.

FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a waistgasketing element as detailed herein. The waist gasketing element isshown in a flat, uncontracted state.

FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a web ofmultiple absorbent articles.

FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a waistgasketing element as detailed herein. The waist gasketing element isshown in a flat, uncontracted state.

FIGS. 8a-8b are schematic cross-sectional views of an exemplaryembodiment of the leg gasketing systems and topsheet of FIG. 1, thecross section taken along the lateral centerline. The leg gasketingsystems are shown in a flat, uncontracted state.

FIG. 9 is a schematic side elevation view of a package in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

“Disposable,” in reference to absorbent articles, means that theabsorbent articles are generally not intended to be laundered orotherwise restored or reused as absorbent articles (i.e., they areintended to be discarded after a single use and, preferably, to berecycled, composted or otherwise discarded in an environmentallycompatible manner).

“Absorbent article” refers to devices which absorb and contain bodyexudates and, more specifically, refers to devices which are placedagainst or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and containthe various exudates discharged from the body. Exemplary absorbentarticles include diapers, training pants, pull-on pant-type diapers(i.e., a diaper having a pre-formed waist opening and leg openings suchas illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,487), refastenable diapers orpant-type diapers, incontinence briefs and undergarments, diaper holdersand liners, feminine hygiene garments such as panty liners, absorbentinserts, and the like.

“Bonding technique” refers to the manner in which a bond is formed,including but not limited to bonding material and/or method (e.g.,adhesive, ultrasonic, heat etc.), intermittency or continuity withinbonding regions, bond shape, bond size, and bond area or aggregate bondarea. Bonding techniques include adhesive bonding, mechanical bonding,pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, heat bonding and workablecombinations thereof. Suitable bonding techniques may additionallyinclude continuous or intermittent bonding, a random assortment bondsites, or any workable combination thereof.

“Body-facing” and “garment-facing” refer respectively to the relativelocation of an element or a surface of an element or group of elements.“Body-facing” implies the element or surface is nearer to the wearerduring wear than some other element or surface. “Garment-facing” impliesthe element or surface is more remote from the wearer during wear thansome other element or surface (i.e., element or surface is proximate tothe wearer's garments that may be worn over the disposable absorbentarticle).

“Longitudinal” refers to a direction running substantially perpendicularfrom a waist edge to an opposing waist edge of the article and generallyparallel to the maximum linear dimension of the article. Directionswithin 45 degrees of the longitudinal direction are considered to be“longitudinal.” Longitudinal distances are measured between pointsdisposed along a longitudinal line.

“Lateral” refers to a direction running from a longitudinal edge to anopposing longitudinal edge of the article and generally at a right angleto the longitudinal direction. Directions within 45 degrees of thelateral direction are considered to be “lateral.” Lateral distances aremeasured between points disposed along a lateral line.

“Disposed” refers to an element being located in a particular place orposition.

“Joined” refers to configurations whereby an element is directly securedto another element by affixing the element directly to the other elementand to configurations whereby an element is indirectly secured toanother element by affixing the element to intermediate member(s) whichin turn are affixed to the other element.

“Film” refers to a sheet-like material wherein the length and width ofthe material far exceed the thickness of the material. Typically, filmshave a thickness of about 0.5 mm or less.

“Water-permeable” and “water-impermeable” refer to the penetrability ofmaterials in the context of the intended usage of disposable absorbentarticles. Specifically, the term “water-permeable” refers to a layer ora layered structure having pores, openings, and/or interconnected voidspaces that permit liquid water, urine, or synthetic urine to passthrough its thickness in the absence of a forcing pressure. Conversely,the term “water-impermeable” refers to a layer or a layered structurethrough the thickness of which liquid water, urine, or synthetic urinecannot pass in the absence of a forcing pressure (aside from naturalforces such as gravity). A layer or a layered structure that iswater-impermeable according to this definition may be permeable to watervapor (i.e., may be “vapor-permeable”).

“Elongatable,” “extensible,” or “stretchable” are used interchangeablyand refer to a material that, upon application of a biasing force, canstretch to an elongated length of at least about 110% of its relaxed,original length (i.e. can stretch to 10 percent more than its originallength), without rupture or breakage, and upon release of the appliedforce, shows little recovery, less than about 20% of its elongationwithout complete rupture or breakage as measured by EDANA method20.2-89. In the event such an elongatable material recovers at least 40%of its elongation upon release of the applied force, the elongatablematerial will be considered to be “elastic” or “elastomeric.” Forexample, an elastic material that has an initial length of 100 mm canextend at least to 150 mm, and upon removal of the force retracts to alength of at least 130 mm (i.e., exhibiting a 40% recovery). In theevent the material recovers less than 40% of its elongation upon releaseof the applied force, the elongatable material will be considered to be“substantially non-elastic” or “substantially non-elastomeric”. Forexample, an elongatable material that has an initial length of 100 mmcan extend at least to 150 mm, and upon removal of the force retracts toa length of at least 145 mm (i.e., exhibiting a 10% recovery).Elastomeric materials may include elastomeric films (including but notlimited to films derived from rubber and/or other polymeric materials),polyurethane films, elastomeric foams, scrims, elastic nonwovens,synthetic fibers such as LYCRA® and other sheet-like structures. Anelastic member comprises elastomeric material. Elasticized means thatthe component comprises elastomeric material.

“Proximate” as used herein means within 4 mm (i.e., a distance betweenproximate element is 4 mm or less).

“Pant” refers to disposable absorbent articles having a pre-formed waistand leg openings. A pant may be donned by inserting a wearer's legs intothe leg openings and sliding the pant into position about the wearer'slower torso. Pants are also commonly referred to as “closed diapers”,“prefastened diapers”, “pull-on diapers”, “training pants” and“diaper-pants.”

Absorbent Article

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of anabsorbent article 10 of the present invention in a flat, uncontractedstate. The body-facing surface 115 of the absorbent article 10 is facingthe viewer. The absorbent article 10 includes a longitudinal centerline100 and a lateral centerline 110.

The absorbent article 10 comprises a chassis 20. The absorbent article10 and chassis 20 are shown to have a first waist region 14, a secondwaist region 18 opposed to the first waist region 14, and a crotchregion 16 located between the first waist region 14 and the second waistregion 18. The waist regions 14 and 18 generally comprise those portionsof the absorbent article 10 which, when worn, encircle the waist of thewearer. The waist regions 14 and 18 may include elastic members 55 suchthat they gather about the waist of the wearer to provide improved fitand containment. The crotch region 16 is the portion of the absorbentarticle 10 which, when the absorbent article 10 is worn, is generallypositioned between the legs of the wearer.

The outer periphery of the chassis 20 is defined by longitudinal edges12 and waist edges (first waist edge 13 in first waist region 14 andsecond waist edge 19 in second waist region 18). The longitudinal edges12 may be subdivided into a front longitudinal edge 12 a, which is theportion of the longitudinal edge 12 in the first waist region 14, and arear longitudinal edge 12 b, which is the portion of the longitudinaledge 12 in the second (rear) waist region 18. The chassis 20 may haveopposing longitudinal edges 12 that are oriented generally parallel tothe longitudinal centerline 100. However, for better fit, longitudinaledges 12 may be curved or angled to produce, for example, an “hourglass”shape article when viewed in a plan view as shown in FIG. 1. The chassis20 may have opposing lateral edges 13, 19 (i.e., the first waist edge 13and second waist edge 19) that are oriented generally parallel to thelateral centerline 110.

The chassis 20 may comprise a liquid permeable topsheet 24, a backsheet26, and an absorbent core 28 between the topsheet 24 and the backsheet26. In embodiments that include one or more opacity strengtheningpatches 80, the chassis 20 also comprises the opacity strengtheningpatch(s) 80. The topsheet 24 may be joined to the core 28 and/or thebacksheet 26. The backsheet 26 may be joined to the core 28 and/or thetopsheet 24. It should be recognized that other structures, elements, orsubstrates may be positioned between the core 28 and the topsheet 24and/or backsheet 26. In some embodiments, an acquisition-distributionsystem 30 is disposed between the topsheet 26 and the absorbent core 28.

In certain embodiments, the chassis 20 comprises the main structure ofthe absorbent article 10 with other features added to form the compositeabsorbent article structure. While the topsheet 24, the backsheet 26,and the absorbent core 28 may be assembled in a variety of well-knownconfigurations, absorbent article configurations are described generallyin U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,860,003; 5,151,092; 5,221,274; 5,554,145; 5,569,234;5,580,411; and 6,004,306.

Topsheet:

The topsheet 24 is generally a portion of the absorbent article 10 thatmay be positioned at least in partial contact or close proximity to awearer. Suitable topsheets 24 may be manufactured from a wide range ofmaterials, such as porous foams; reticulated foams; apertured plasticfilms; or woven or nonwoven webs of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cottonfibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or polypropylene fibers), ora combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet 24 isgenerally supple, soft feeling, and non-irritating to a wearer's skin.Generally, at least a portion of the topsheet 24 is liquid pervious,permitting liquid to readily penetrate through the thickness of thetopsheet 24. One topsheet 24 useful herein is available from BBAFiberweb, Brentwood, Tenn. as supplier code 055SLPV09U. The topsheet 24may be apertured.

Any portion of the topsheet 24 may be coated with a lotion or skin carecomposition as is known in the art. Non-limiting examples of suitablelotions include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,607,760; 5,609,587;5,635,191; and 5,643,588. The specific examples are not limiting, as anylotion or skin care composition known in the art may be utilized. Thetopsheet 24 may be fully or partially elasticized or may beforeshortened so as to provide a void space between the topsheet 24 andthe core 28. Exemplary structures including elasticized or foreshortenedtopsheets are described in more detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,892,536;4,990,147; 5,037,416; and 5,269,775.

Absorbent Core:

The absorbent core 28 may comprise a wide variety of liquid-absorbentmaterials commonly used in disposable diapers and other absorbentarticles. Examples of suitable absorbent materials include comminutedwood pulp, which is generally referred to as air felt creped cellulosewadding; melt blown polymers, including co-form; chemically stiffened,modified or cross-linked cellulosic fibers; tissue, including tissuewraps and tissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges;superabsorbent polymers; absorbent gelling materials; or any other knownabsorbent material or combinations of materials. In one embodiment, atleast a portion of the absorbent core is substantially cellulose freeand contains less than 10% by weight cellulosic fibers, less than 5%cellulosic fibers, less than 1% cellulosic fibers, no more than animmaterial amount of cellulosic fibers or no cellulosic fibers. Itshould be understood that an immaterial amount of cellulosic materialdoes not materially affect at least one of the thinness, flexibility,and absorbency of the portion of the absorbent core that issubstantially cellulose free. Among other benefits, it is believed thatwhen at least a portion of the absorbent core is substantially cellulosefree, this portion of the absorbent core is significantly thinner andmore flexible than a similar absorbent core that includes more than 10%by weight of cellulosic fibers. The amount of absorbent material, suchas absorbent particulate polymer material present in the absorbent coremay vary, but in certain embodiments, is present in the absorbent corein an amount greater than about 80% by weight of the absorbent core, orgreater than about 85% by weight of the absorbent core, or greater thanabout 90% by weight of the absorbent core, or greater than about 95% byweight of the core. In some embodiments, the absorbent core may compriseone or more channels 29, wherein said channels are substantially free ofabsorbent particulate polymer material. The channels 29 may extendlongitudinally or laterally. The absorbent core may further comprise twoor more channels. In one nonlimiting example, two channels aresymmetrically disposed about the longitudinal axis.

Exemplary absorbent structures for use as the absorbent core 28 aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,610,678; 4,673,402; 4,834,735; 4,888,231;5,137,537; 5,147,345; 5,342,338; 5,260,345; 5,387,207; 5,397,316, andU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/491,642 and 62/210,100.

Backsheet:

The backsheet 26 is generally positioned such that it may be at least aportion of the garment-facing surface of the absorbent article 10.Backsheet 26 may be designed to prevent the exudates absorbed by andcontained within the absorbent article 10 from soiling articles that maycontact the absorbent article 10, such as bed sheets and undergarments.In certain embodiments, the backsheet 26 is substantiallywater-impermeable. Suitable backsheet 26 materials include films such asthose manufactured by Tredegar Industries Inc. of Terre Haute, Ind. andsold under the trade names X15306, X10962, and X10964. Other suitablebacksheet 26 materials may include breathable materials that permitvapors to escape from the absorbent article 10 while still preventingexudates from passing through the backsheet 26. Exemplary breathablematerials may include materials such as woven webs, nonwoven webs,composite materials such as film-coated nonwoven webs, and microporousfilms such as manufactured by Mitsui Toatsu Co., of Japan under thedesignation ESPOIR NO and by EXXON Chemical Co., of Bay City, Tex.,under the designation EXXAIRE. Suitable breathable composite materialscomprising polymer blends are available from Clopay Corporation,Cincinnati, Ohio under the name HYTREL blend P18-3097. Such breathablecomposite materials are described in greater detail in PCT ApplicationNo. WO 95/16746 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,823. Other breathable backsheetsincluding nonwoven webs and apertured formed films are described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,571,096. An exemplary, suitable backsheet is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 6,107,537. Other suitable materials and/or manufacturingtechniques may be used to provide a suitable backsheet 26 including, butnot limited to, surface treatments, particular film selections andprocessing, particular filament selections and processing, etc.

Backsheet 26 may also consist of more than one layer. The backsheet 26may comprise an outer cover and an inner layer. The outer cover may bemade of a soft, non-woven material. The inner layer may be made of asubstantially liquid-impermeable film, such as a polymeric film. Theouter cover and an inner layer may be joined together by adhesive or anyother suitable material or method. A particularly suitable outer coveris available from Corovin GmbH, Peine, Germany as supplier code A18AH0,and a particularly suitable inner layer is available from RKW GronauGmbH, Gronau, Germany as supplier code PGBR4WPR. While a variety ofbacksheet configurations are contemplated herein, it would be obvious tothose skilled in the art that various other changes and modificationscan be made without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

Ears/Fasteners:

The absorbent article 10 may include front ears 32 and/or back ears 34.The ears 32, 34 may be integral with the chassis or discrete elementsjoined to the chassis 20. The ears 32, 34 may be extensible,inextensible, elastic, or inelastic. The ears 32, 34 may be formed fromnonwoven webs, woven webs, knitted fabrics, polymeric and elastomericfilms, apertured films, sponges, foams, scrims, and combinations andlaminates thereof. In some embodiments, the ear 32, 34 may includeelastomers (e.g., elastic strands, LYCRA® fibers), such that the ear isstretchable. In certain embodiments, the ears 32, 34 may be formed of astretch laminate such as a nonwoven/elastomeric material laminate or anonwoven/elastomeric material/nonwoven laminate, which also results inthe ear being stretchable. Stretch laminates may be formed by any methodknown in the art. For example, the ears 32, 34 may be formed as a zerostrain stretch laminate, which includes at least a layer of non-wovenmaterial and an elastomeric element. The zero strain activationprocesses is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,167,897 and5,156,793.

The absorbent article 10 may also include a fastening system 36. Whenfastened, the fastening system 36 interconnects the first waist region16 and the rear waist region 18 resulting in a waist circumference thatmay encircle the wearer during wear of the absorbent article 10. Thefastening system 36 may comprise a fastener 38 such as tape tabs, hookand loop fastening components, interlocking fasteners such as tabs &slots, buckles, buttons, snaps, and/or hermaphroditic fasteningcomponents, although any other known fastening means are generallyacceptable. Some exemplary surface fastening systems are disclosed inU.S. Pat. Nos. 3,848,594; 4,662,875; 4,846,815; 4,894,060; 4,946,527;5,151,092; and 5,221,274. An exemplary interlocking fastening system isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,432,098. In some embodiments, the fasteningsystem 36 and/or the fastener 38 is foldable.

The fastening system 36 may be joined to any suitable portion of thearticle 10 by any suitable means. In some embodiments, the fasteningsystem is joined to the ear 32, 34. In one nonlimiting example, thefastening system 36 and/or the fastener 38 is mechanically bonded to theear 32, 34.

Waist Gasketing Element

The disposable absorbent article 10 may include at least one waistgasketing element 40 attached to the chassis 20. The waist gasketingelement 40 may be disposed on the body facing side 115 of the chassis ora body-facing side of a layer of the chassis 20. In certain embodiments,the waist gasketing element 40 is joined to the topsheet 24 and/or to aleg gasketing system 70 as shown in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, thewaist gasketing element 40 may be disposed on the garment-facing side120 of the article or a garment-facing side of a layer of the chassis.For example, the waist gasketing element may be joined to the backsheet26. Alternatively, the waist gasketing element may be disposed betweenthe topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26.

In an embodiment, the waist gasketing element 40 comprises anelasticized waistband comprising one or more elastic members 55 as shownin FIG. 1. Waist gasketing elements 40 may be joined to the chassis 20in the first waist region 14 and/or in the second waist region 18. Inone nonlimiting example, the waist gasketing element 40 is disposed inthe second waist region 18. Waist gasketing elements 40 may be joined tothe chassis 20 in a chassis attachment region 41 by one or more chassisattachment bonds 42 as shown in FIG. 2 for example. (FIG. 2 is aschematic cross sectional view of the waist gasketing element disposedin the second waist region of FIG. 1. The waist gasketing element isshown in a non-compressed manner for ease of understanding.) The chassisbond(s) 42 may be formed by any suitable bonding technique, includingbut not limited to adhesive bonding, mechanical bonding, pressurebonding, ultrasonic bonding, heat bonding and combinations thereof. Inone nonlimiting example, a chassis bond 42 is an adhesive bond.

The waist gasketing element 40 comprises a top layer 44 and a bottomlayer 45. The top layer and/or the bottom layer may comprise a nonwoven,a film, a laminate of nonwovens and/or films, or combinations thereof.In one embodiment, the waist gasketing element 40 comprises a single,continuous web of material and therefore the top and bottom layers 44,45 are integral and may be formed by folding the single, continuous web.In other embodiments, the waist gasketing element(s) 40 may be formedfrom more than one web of material (e.g., multiple webs of material thatare joined together to become one web of material, or multiple distinctwebs of material that are separate from the disposable absorbent articlechassis and form part of the waist gasketing element). In suchembodiments, the top layer 44 may be a formed form a different web ofmaterial than that of the bottom layer 45. The component materials inthe distinct webs may be the same or they may be different. In someembodiments, neither the top layer nor the bottom layer is integral withthe chassis (i.e., the waist gasketing element is discrete from thechassis).

Herein, locations (e.g., folded edge, material edge, etc.) on the waistgasketing element 40 are detailed in reference to “a web of material”,“a portion of the web of material” or “waist gasketing material.” Therecitations of “a web of material” or “the web of material” or “waistgasketing material” refer to waist gasketing element embodiments thatmay be formed from a single, continuous web of material, multiple websof material that are joined together to become one web of material, asingle material that is folded to form multiple layers of the samematerial, a single material that is slit apart and rejoined together, ormultiple distinct webs of material that may be separate from thedisposable absorbent article chassis and form part of the waistgasketing element 40. All such embodiments are contemplated.

The waist gasketing element 40 includes an inboard lateral edge 46, anoutboard lateral edge 47, and two longitudinal edges 48 as shown forexample in FIGS. 1 and 2. The outboard lateral edge 47 may becoterminous with a waist edge 13, 19. Alternatively, the outboardlateral edge 47 may be disposed longitudinally inward of the waist edge13, 19. The periphery of the waist gasketing element (e.g., the lateraland longitudinal edges) defines a waist gasketing element area, A1(i.e., the mathematical, two-dimensional area of the waist gasketingelement).

In further embodiments, the web of material forming the waist gasketingelement 40 is folded longitudinally outward (away from the lateralcenterline 110 of the absorbent article 10) to form the inboard lateraledge 46. In such embodiments, the inboard lateral edge 46 comprises afolded edge 49 and the outboard lateral edge 47 comprises a firstmaterial edge 440, which may be the material edge of the top layer 44and a second material edge 450 which may comprise the material edge ofthe bottom layer 45. Although an embodiment depicting a waist gasketingelement 40 with one folded edge 49 and two material edges 440, 450 isshown in FIG. 2, alternate constructions of useful waist gasketingelements are contemplated. For example, an alternate waist gasketingelement 40 may include two distinct webs of material and therefore havefour material edges (two on the inboard lateral edge 46, and two on theoutboard lateral edge 47 or said differently, two opposed edges on thetop layer 44 and two opposed edges on the bottom layer 45). As anothernonlimiting example, an alternate waist gasketing element 40 may have acontinuous web material that is formed into having two folded edges (oneon the inboard lateral edge 46, and one on the outboard lateral edge 47)and two longitudinal material edges.

In a further embodiment, the waist gasketing element 40 may be used inconjunction with a leg gasketing system 70 as shown in FIG. 1. In suchembodiment, the waist gasketing element 40 is attached to: 1) thechassis 20 and 2) the leg gasketing system 70, such that at least aportion of the outboard lateral edge 47 of the waist gasketing element40 is attached to the chassis 20 and at least a portion of the outboardlateral edge 47 of the waist gasketing element 40 is attached to the webof material of the leg gasketing system 70. The inboard lateral edge 46of the waist gasketing element 40 may be unattached to the chassis 20 ofthe disposable absorbent article 10. In embodiments that include a waistgasketing element 40 that has a waist gasketing element folded edge 49,a waist gasketing element first material edge 440, and a waist gasketingelement second material edge 450, at least a portion of the web ofmaterial between the waist gasketing element folded edge 49 and waistgasketing element second material edge 450 is attached to the topsheet24 and/or backsheet 26 of the chassis 20.

The attachment of the waist gasketing element 40 to the chassis 20 ismade through utilization of one or more chassis attachment bonds 42disposed in a chassis attachment region 41. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4,the chassis attachment region 41 may comprise a first zone 410 and asecond zone 412. (FIGS. 3 and 4 are schematic plan views of a surface40A of waist gasketing element that would be attached to the chassisand/or to the leg gasketing system.) The first zone may be disposedproximate to the outboard lateral edge 47. The second zone 412 may bedisposed longitudinally inboard of the first zone, such that the secondzone is at least partially between the first zone and the inboardlateral edge 46. Each zone may comprise one or more chassis attachmentbonds 42. A chassis attachment bond may take the form of an adhesivebond, heat bond, pressure bond, mechanical bond, or any other bondingtechnique known in the art. In some embodiments, one or both zonescomprise at least one adhesive chassis attachment bond 43.

The first zone 410 may be at least partially coextensive with theoutboard lateral edge 47, such that at least one chassis attachment bond42 a in the first zone comprises an outboard bond edge 420 that is atleast partially coextensive with the outboard lateral edge 47 as shownin FIG. 3. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, the first zone may bespaced apart from the outboard edge 47 by a longitudinal distance Y₁,where Y₁ is the smallest longitudinal distance between an outboard bondedge 420 of a bond 42 a in the first zone 410 and the outboard lateraledge 47. Said differently, where more than one bond is present in thefirst zone, Y₁ is the shortest longitudinal distance between (i) thebond 42 a that is longitudinally closest to the outboard lateral edge 47and (ii) said outboard lateral edge 47. In some embodiments, Y₁ is atleast 2 mm, or at least 10 mm, or at least 20 mm, or at least 50 mm; orany range or distance within the range of about 2 mm to about 50 mm. Infurther embodiments, the outboard lateral edge 47 is at least partiallycoterminous with a waist edge. In such embodiments, Y₁ is also thedistance between the first zone and the waist edge. Likewise, the firstzone may be at least partially coextensive with a longitudinal edge 48a, 48 b or set apart by a minimum distance X₁, where X₁ is the shortestlateral distance between a longitudinal bond edge 424 and a proximatelongitudinal edge 48. The right side of the waist gasketing system maydiffer from the left side, such that the distances between edge bonds424 and longitudinal edges on opposite sides of the waist gasketingsystem may be different.

The second zone 412 may be adjacent to the first zone 410 (i.e., atleast one bond 42 a in the first zone 410 has an inboard bond edge 421that is at least partially coextensive with an outboard edge 422 of abond 42 b in the second zone) as shown in FIG. 3. Alternatively, thesecond zone may be spaced apart from the first zone by a longitudinaldistance, Y₂, where Y₂ is the smallest longitudinal distance between aninboard bond edge 421 of a bond 42 a in the first zone and an outboardedge 422 of a bond 42 b in the second zone as shown in FIG. 4. Wheremore than one bond is present in the first zone and/or in the secondzone, Y₂ is the shortest longitudinal distance between the two closestbonds 42 a, 42 b.

The second zone 412 may be at least partially coextensive with theinboard lateral edge 46, such that at least one chassis attachment bond42 b in the second zone comprises an inboard edge 423 that is at leastpartially coextensive with the inboard lateral edge 46 of the waistgasketing element. In some further embodiments, the second zone isspaced apart from the inboard lateral edge 46 by a longitudinal distanceY₃, where Y₃ is the smallest longitudinal distance between the inboardedge 423 of a bond 42 b in the second zone and the inboard lateral edge46 as shown in FIG. 4 for example. Where more than one bond is presentin the second zone, Y₃ is the shortest longitudinal distance between (i)the bond 42 b that is laterally closest to the inboard lateral edge 46and (ii) said inboard lateral edge 46. In certain embodiments, Y₃ can befrom about 0 mm to about 4 mm. Likewise, the second zone may be at leastpartially coextensive with a longitudinal edge 48 or set apart by aminimum distance X₂ from the longitudinal edge 48, where X₂ is theshortest lateral distance between a longitudinal bond edge 425 and aproximate longitudinal edge 48. The right side of the waist gasketingsystem may differ from the left side, such that the distances betweenedge bonds 425 and longitudinal edges on opposite sides of the waistgasketing system may be different. Further still, X₂ may differ from X₁as shown in FIGS. 3-4.

The first zone 410 may comprise a first bonding technique 510, and thesecond zone 412 may comprise a second bonding technique 512. The firstbonding technique may differ from the second bonding technique. Inparticular, the techniques may differ by the type of bonding material,the amount of bonding material, bonding method, number of bonds, and/oraggregate bond area.

The first zone and/or the second zone may comprise adhesive bond(s) 43.An adhesive bond 43 may be in the form of a substantially continuous bar430 as shown for example in FIG. 3. In other embodiments, an adhesivebond 43 is in the form of a web-like structure 431 having one or moreopen areas 432 as depicted in FIG. 4. It is believed that the open areas(i.e., adhesive-free areas) allow for puckers in the waist gasketingmaterial and/or chassis material and/or leg gasketing material, creatinga soft, cushiony feel. Additionally or alternatively, a plurality ofadhesive bonds 43 may be intermittently provided in the first and/orsecond zone, which may also provide a plurality of open areas 432. Anexemplary adhesive useful in the present invention is N Adhesive HenkelDM3800 (720VP M1) F Dispomelt. An adhesive bond in the first zone and anadhesive bond in the second zone may be created by the same type ofadhesive or by a different type of adhesive.

In some embodiments, the first zone 410 and the second zone 412 maycomprise different bond areas. Each chassis attachment bond 42 comprisesan individual bond area (i.e., the two dimensional, mathematical area ofthe bond). The first zone comprises a first aggregate bond area, BA1,which is sum of the individual bond areas in the first zone. The secondzone comprises a second aggregate bond area, BA2, which is the sum ofthe individual bond areas in the second zone. In certain embodiments,the second aggregate bond area, BA2 is greater than the first aggregatebond area as shown for example in FIG. 4. The second aggregate bond areacan be from about 5% to about 40% greater, or from about 10% to about20% greater than the first aggregate bond area, reciting for each rangeevery 5% increment therein. In one nonlimiting example, the first zoneand the second zone comprise substantially continuous bonds 430 havingdifferent areas as shown in FIG. 3. In such nonlimiting example, thebonds 42 a, 42 b may comprise different lateral widths from longitudinaledge to longitudinal edge. Additionally, or alternatively, the bonds 42a, 42 b may comprise different longitudinal lengths. By varying theaggregate bond area between the zones, the cumulative bond integrity canbe ensured while minimizing the impact of bonding near the outboard edge47, which is more likely to closely contact the wearer. Bonding materialand/or bond sites often adversely impact softness and flexibility andcan cause excess tack or roughness. Consequently, it is desirable tominimize the bonding in the zone that contacts the wearer. Moreover,waist gasketing elements often began to peel from a chassis along aninboard corner. Thus, having more bonding inboard will improveadherence.

Further to the above, the first zone may comprise a first aggregate bondstrength and the second zone comprises a second aggregate bond strength.In some embodiments, the second aggregate bond strength is greater thanthe first aggregate bond strength. In some nonlimiting examples, theBond Strength Ratio is at least about 1.3, or at least about 1.4, orabout least about 1.5, or at least about 1.7, or from about 1.3 to about3, or from about 1.4 to about 2.5, reciting for each range 0.1 incrementtherein, as determined by the Bond Strength Test Method. The differencein bond strength may be formed by, for example, different bondingmaterials, different amounts of bonding materials, the number of bondsin a given area, and/or relative bond areas.

In certain embodiments, the first zone 410 comprises a first total basisweight and the second zone comprises a second total basis weight. Thetotal basis weight is the basis weight of the entire waist gasketingelement in said zone, including the waist gasketing element material andbonding materials. The total basis weight can be determined by cuttingthe zone from the article, measuring the area of the zone, weighing thezone, and dividing the weight by the area. The second total basis weightmay be greater than the first total basis weight. This can be achieved,for example, by a greater amount of bonding material, such as adhesive,in the second zone. In nonlimiting examples, the second total basisweight is from about 20% to about 60% greater, or from about 30% toabout 50% greater than the first total basis weight, for each rangereciting every 5% increment therein.

While the invention is described with respect to two zones for ease ofunderstanding, it is also contemplated and within the scope of theinvention that more than two zones be present within a chassisattachment region. Further, without wishing to be bound by theory, theoptimal chassis attachment region dimensions (including zone dimensionsand number of zones) will vary based on number of considerations,including but not limited to the component materials of layers to bebonded, process conditions including but not limited to line speed andconverting operations such as cutting near or on the waist gasketingelements, the bonding technique including but not limited to bondingmaterial and add-on levels, the dimensions of the waist gasketingelement and/or chassis, the layer of the chassis to which the waistgasketing element is attached, and materials (such as elastic members)which are included in the waist gasketing element. A sufficient amountof bonding is necessary to ensure adherence and prevent against adhesivecreep.

Chassis attachment bonds 42 may be utilized to attach the waistgasketing element to the topsheet, backsheet and/or leg gasketingsystem. The top and/or the bottom layer 44, 45 may be attached to thetopsheet, backsheet and/or leg gasketing system. In embodiments thatinclude a waist gasketing element 40 that has a folded edge 49, a waistgasketing element first material edge 440, and a waist gasketing elementsecond material edge 450, at least a portion of the web of materialbetween the waist gasketing element folded edge 49 and waist gasketingelement second material edge 450 may be attached to the web of materialforming the leg gasketing system 70. The attachment of the waistgasketing element 40 to the web of material forming the leg gasketingsystem 70 may be along the longitudinal edge(s) 424 of the first zoneand/or the longitudinal edge(s) 425 of the second zone. As seen in theembodiment of FIG. 1, the longitudinal edges 424, 425 may attach atleast a portion of the waist gasketing element's web of material betweenthe waist gasketing element folded edge 49 and the waist gasketingelement second material edge 450 to the web of material forming the leggasketing system 70. The longitudinal edges 424, 425 can be locatedadjacent to the longitudinal edges 48 of the waist gasketing element 40(or may be coterminous therewith). In another embodiment, thelongitudinal edges 424, 425 are located adjacent to an inner cuff foldededge 72 of the leg gasketing system 70 (or may be coterminoustherewith). The waist gasketing element 40 may be attached to the leggasketing system 70 over substantially the entire area that the leggasketing system 70 overlaps with the waist gasketing element 40. Insome embodiments, the waist gasketing element 40 is attached to the leggasketing system 70 over more than about 50%, more than about 60%, morethan about 70%, more than about 80%, more than about 90%, or more thanabout 95%, of the entire area that the leg gasketing system 70 overlapswith the waist gasketing element 40.

In an embodiment, the waist gasketing element 40 comprises a waistgasketing element pocket 50. The pocket 50 may be formed from a portionof the waist gasketing element 40 that is unattached from the chassis 20(see FIG. 2 for example).

The waist gasketing element 40 may further comprise one or morelaterally extending elastic members 55. In some embodiments, the elasticmembers may be positioned between i) the portion of the web of materialbetween a waist gasketing element folded edge 49 and the waist gasketingelement first material edge 440, and ii) the portion of the web materialbetween the waist gasketing element folded edge 49 and the waistgasketing element second material edge 450.

The elastic members 55 may be elastomeric fibers, such as LYCRA® fibersavailable from INVISTA of Wichita, Kans., in various decitex levels. Theskilled person may select the appropriate decitex based on the desiredcontraction and other principles discussed herein. Other suitableelastics can be made from natural rubber, such as elastic tape soldunder the trademark Fulflex 9411 by Fulflex Company of Middletown, R. I.The elastic members 55 may also comprise any heat shrinkable elasticmaterial as is well known in the art. In addition, elastic members 55may take a multitude of configurations. For example, the width may bevaried; a single strand or several parallel or non-parallel strands ofelastic material may be used; or a variety of shapes may be usedincluding rectilinear and curvilinear; or a variety of cross sectionalshapes can be used (circular, rectangular, square, etc.).

The waist gasketing element 40 may comprise at least two waist elasticmembers 55, at least three waist elastic members 55, at least fourelastic members 55, at least five elastic members 55, at least six waistelastic members 55, at least seven waist elastic members 55, at leasteight waist elastic members 55, at least nine waist elastic members 55,at least ten waist elastic members 55, at least eleven waist elasticmembers 55, or at least twelve waist elastic members 55.

In one embodiment, adjacent elastic members 55 are spaced a longitudinaldistance of at least 3.5 mm apart from one edge of the member to theother edge of the member, optionally at least 4 mm apart; optionally atleast 4.5 mm apart; optionally at least 5 mm apart; optionally at least5.5 mm apart; optionally at least 6 mm apart; optionally at least 6.5 mmapart; optionally at least 7 mm apart;

optionally at least 7.5 mm apart; optionally at least 8 mm apart;optionally at least 8.5 mm apart; optionally at least 9 mm apart;optionally at least 9.5 mm apart; optionally at least 10 mm apart;optionally at least 10.5 mm apart; optionally at least 11 mm apart;optionally at least 11.5 mm apart; optionally at least 12 mm apart. Thespacing between elastic members may be the same or different across thelongitudinal length of the waist gasketing element. For example, thespacing between adjacent elastic members could uniformly be 7 mm orthere could be variable spacing (i.e., two adjacent elastic members areseparated by 3 mm, another two are separated by 6.5 mm, etc.).

In an embodiment, the waist gasketing element 40 may comprise N-fiber.Exemplary N-fiber material is disclosed in U.S. Pat. App. Nos.62/134,622; 62/186,727.

Turning to FIG. 5, an article 10 may further comprise a second waistgasketing element 40′. (FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a surface40A′ of second waist gasketing element that would be attached to thechassis and/or to the leg gasketing system.) The second waist gasketingelement 40′ may comprise any of the features described herein withrespect to the waist gasketing element 40 (also referred to goingforward as the first waist gasketing element 40). By way of nonlimitingexample, the second waist gasketing element 40′ comprises an inboardlateral edge 46′, outboard lateral edge 47′, and longitudinal side edges48′. Similar to the first waist gasketing element, the second waistgasketing element may be formed from a single web of material ormultiple webs of materials. Like the first waist gasketing element, theoutboard lateral edge 47′ of the second waist gasketing element may becoterminous with a waist edge 13, 19 or may be set apart by alongitudinal distance from the waist edge.

The second waist gasketing element 40′ may comprise a second chassisattachment region 41′, comprising at least two zones 410′, 412′. Thezones may be adjacent as shown in FIG. 5 or separated by a longitudinaldistance. The zones in the second chassis attachment region may comprisebonds 42 formed by different bonding techniques. In nonlimitingexamples, the zones comprise different aggregate bond areas, differentaggregate bond strengths, and/or different basis weights. The inboardzone 412′ may comprise a greater aggregate bond area, greater aggregatebond strength and/or greater basis weight than the outboard zone 410′.The outboard zone 410′ may comprise the same bonding technique(s) as thefirst zone 410 of the first waist gasketing element 40. In someembodiments, the outboard zone 410′ comprises the same aggregate bondarea, aggregate bond strength, and/or basis weight as the first zone 410of the first waist gasketing element 40. Alternatively, the outboardzone 410′ of the second waist gasketing element may differ from thefirst zone 410 by bonding technique(s), including for example aggregatebond area, and aggregate bond strength and/or basis weight. Similarly,the inboard zone 412′ may be the same as or differ from the second zone412 of the first waist gasketing element in terms of bondingtechnique(s). The outboard zone 410′ may comprise an outboard bond edge420′ which may be at least partially coextensive with the outboardlateral edge 47′ or may be spaced apart from the outboard lateral edge47′. Likewise, the remaining edges 421′, 422′, 423′, 424′, 425′ maycomprise any of the features described above with respect to edges 421,422, 423, 424, 425 respectively.

Similar to the first waist gasketing element, the second waist gasketingelement may comprise one or more laterally-extending elastic members 55,having any of features described above with respect to elastic members.

In an embodiment, the outboard lateral edge 47 of the first waistgasketing element 40 comprises a first width, W1, and the outboardlateral edge 47′ of second waist gasketing element comprises a secondwidth, W2. In one nonlimiting example, the first and second widths arethe same as shown in FIG. 6. (FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of aweb of articles and a separating apparatus.) Alternatively, the firstand second widths may be different.

In some embodiments, bonds described herein may include colors orpigments. The colors and/or pigments may be visible through the topsheetand/or visible through the backsheet. Patterns and/or intermittentbonding may be formed through patterned slot coating techniques astaught in U.S. Pat. Pub. Nos. 2014/0148323, 2014/0148773, 2014/0148774and 2014/0144579 in some embodiments.

A strip of articles 210 comprising waist gasketing elements 40 may beformed by joining multiple waist gasketing elements 240 to a web ofchassis material 20 as shown in FIG. 6. Each waist gasketing element 240in the strip 210 may comprise a first transverse edge 260 and a secondtransverse edge 262. In embodiments where a waist gasketing element isformed by a single web of material, said web of material may be foldedto form the top and bottom layers.

Each waist gasketing element 240 may further be provided with a chassisattachment region 241 as shown in FIG. 7. (FIG. 7 is a schematic planview of the surface 240A of a waist gasketing element that would beattached to the web of chassis material.) The chassis attachment region241 may comprise a first edge zone 300, a central zone 310, and a secondedge zone 320, each having one or more chassis attachment bonds 42. Inone nonlimiting example, adhesive is applied to the chassis attachmentregion 241 in each of the zones 300, 310, 320. Adhesive may be appliedat a higher add-on rate in the first edge zone than in the central zone.Additionally, or alternatively, adhesive may be applied at a higheradd-on rate in the second edge zone than in the central zone. In afurther nonlimiting example, the add-on rate in an edge zone 300, 320 isfrom about 20% to about 60%, or about 30% to about 50% greater than theadd-on rate in the central zone, reciting for each range every 5%increment therein. In some nonlimiting examples, adhesive is applied ina substantially continuous bar. In further nonlimiting examples,adhesive is applied such that a bond comprises open areas 432. Adhesivemay be applied by any known method including but not limited to slotcoating, patterned slot coating techniques as taught in U.S. Pat. Pub.Nos. 2014/0148323, 2014/0148773, 2014/0148774 and 2014/0144579, sprayingand combinations thereof. In nonlimiting examples, the adhesive isapplied by slot coating. Applying adhesive to the waist gasketingelement provides greater flexibility during manufacturing; all adhesivewill be fully utilized without precise aim as opposed to applying theadhesive to the chassis prior to attachment. When applying adhesive tothe chassis material, greater effort must be exerted to ensure theadhesive is applied in the area that will subsequently be attached tothe waist gasketing element. However, it is also within the scope of theinvention that adhesive may be applied to the areas of the chassismaterial 20 corresponding to the zones 300, 310, 320 rather than beingapplied directly to the waist gasketing element. In some embodiments,adhesive is applied to both the chassis 20 and the waist gasketingelement 240.

In a further embodiment, a first edge bonding technique 305 is appliedto the first edge zone 300 and a central bonding technique 315 isapplied to the central zone 310. The central bonding technique 315 maydiffer from the first edge bonding technique 305. In particular, thecentral and first edge bonding techniques may differ by the type ofbonding material, amount of bonding material, bonding method, number ofbonds, and/or aggregate bond area. The differences in the bondingtechniques may result in different bond strengths and/or basis weightsin the zones.

A second edge bonding technique 325 may be applied to the second edgezone 320. The second edge bonding technique 325 may be the same as ormay differ from the first edge bonding technique 305. In embodiments,the second edge bonding technique 325 differs from the central bondingtechnique. In particular, the bonding techniques may differ by the typeof bonding material, amount of bonding material, bonding method, numberof bonds, and/or aggregate bond area. The differences in the bondingtechniques may result in different bond strengths and/or basis weightsin the zones.

The waist gasketing elements may be disposed apart from one another by alongitudinal distance in the machine direction and joined to the chassismaterial at the chassis attachment regions. As schematically shown inFIG. 6, a separating apparatus 200 (such as a knife) may be used toseparate the strip 210 into individual articles 10. The separatingapparatus 200 may cut the strip 210 laterally between the transverseedges 260, 262 of the waist gasketing elements. The separating apparatus200 may be programmed or otherwise directed to cut at target zones onthe strip of articles. However, given manufacturing viabilities, theseparating apparatus 200 may not be able to consistently hit thetargets. The chassis attachment region may cover a longitudinal distanceand/or lateral distance that encompasses and extends beyond the targetzone. In particular, the central zone may cover a longitudinal distancethat encompasses and extends beyond the target zone as can be seen inFIG. 7 for example, where the cut is depicted by C. In some embodiments,the central zone is from about 10 mm to about 35 mm, or about 25 mm inthe longitudinal direction (i.e., length), reciting for said range every5 mm increment therein. The strip may be cut within the central zonesuch that the central zone becomes an article's first zone 410 asdescribed above, and the edge zone 300 or 320 becomes the second zone412 as described above. Further, the strip may be cut such that theresultant first zone comprises a longitudinal length that is less thanthe length of the edge zone (i.e., less than the resultant second zone'slength).

The central zone may further comprise a transverse width, CW, which isthe greatest lateral distance between bond edges in central zone. Wherethe central zone comprises more than one chassis attachment bond, thewidth may be measured between edges of different bonds 42. In someembodiments, the central zone is at least partially coextensive with alongitudinal edge 264 of the waist gasketing element. In one nonlimitingexample, the central zone is at least partially coextensive with bothlongitudinal edges 264. Alternatively, the central zone may not extendto transverse edges 264.

The first edge zone may be at least partially coextensive with the firsttransverse edge 260 or be separated by a longitudinal distance, L₁, fromthe transverse edge. In some embodiments, L₁ can be from about 0 mm toabout 4 mm. Likewise, the second edge zone may be at least partiallycoextensive with the second transverse edge or separated by alongitudinal distance, L₂, from the second transverse edge. L₂ may bethe same as or may differ from L₁. In some embodiments, L₂ can be fromabout 0 mm to about 4 mm. The first and/or the second edge zone maycomprise respective longitudinal lengths that are less than thelongitudinal length of the central zone. Alternatively, the first and/orsecond edge zone may comprise respective longitudinal lengths that aregreater than or equal to the longitudinal length of the central zone.The first and second edge zone may comprises the same or differentlengths. In further embodiments, the first edge zone comprises a firstedge width, EW, which is the greatest lateral distance between bondedges in the first edge zone. The first edge width, EW, may be the sameas the central zone width, CW, as shown in FIG. 7. Alternatively, thefirst edge width, EW, may be greater than or less than the central zonewidth. Likewise, the second edge zone may comprise a second edge width,EW₂, which is the greatest lateral distance between bond edges in thesecond edge zone. The second edge width, EW₂, may be the same as thefirst edge width, EW, and/or as the central zone width, CW.Alternatively, the second edge width, EW₂, may be less than or may begreater than the first edge width, EW, and/or the central zone width,CW.

Each cut results in a leading article 10 a and a trailing article 10 b.The cut forms the back waist edge 19 of the leading article 10 a and thefront waist edge 13 of the trailing article 10 b. The cut may form theoutboard lateral edge of a waist gasketing element 40 disposed in thesecond waist region of the leading article and/or form the outboardlateral edge of a waist gasketing element 40′ disposed in the firstwaist region of the trailing article. The cut may further result in twowaist gasketing elements 40, each on separate articles 10, which haveoutboard zones 410 comprising less bonding, less basis weight and/orlower bond strength than inboard zones 412. In this way, the edge of thewaist gasketing elements are softer and flexible while the inboard zoneensures the waist gasketing element remains fixed on the article. Theresulting two waist gasketing elements can have the same dimensions ordifferent dimensions (e.g., length, width, area). In this way, a frontwaistband can comprise different dimensions than a rear waistband.

Leg Gasketing System

The absorbent article 10 may comprise a leg gasketing system 70 attachedto the chassis 20. The leg gasketing system 70 comprises one or morecuffs 71. The leg gasketing system 70 may be constructed as, andcomprise one or more features, disclosed in commonly assigned U.S.application Ser. Nos. 62/134,622; 62/186,727.

FIGS. 8a and 8b depict schematic cross sectional views of the exemplaryleg gasketing systems of FIG. 1 in a flat, uncontracted state, the viewstaken through the lateral centerline 110 (FIG. 8a is a schematic crosssection of the left leg gasketing system, and FIG. 8b is a schematiccross section of both leg gasketing systems in relation to thetopsheet).

In an embodiment, the leg gasketing system 70 comprises an inner cuff 72having an inner cuff edge 73. The inner cuff edge 73 may comprise aninner cuff material edge 74. Alternatively, the inner cuff material edge74 may be folded such that the cuff edge 73 comprises a folded innercuff edge 75. The leg gasketing system 70 may further comprise an outercuff 76 that comprises an outer cuff edge 77. The outer cuff edge 77 maycomprise the outer cuff material edge 78. Alternatively, the outer cuffmaterial edge 78 may be folded such that the outer cuff edge 77comprises a folded outer cuff edge 79.

In one embodiment, each leg gasketing system 70 comprises a single,continuous web of material. In other embodiments, the leg gasketingsystem 70 may be formed from more than one web of material (e.g.,multiple webs of material that are joined together to become one web ofmaterial, or multiple distinct webs of material that are separate fromthe disposable absorbent article chassis and form part of the leggasketing system). Herein, locations (e.g., folded edge, material edge,etc.) on the leg gasketing system 70 are detailed in reference to “a webof material” or “a portion of the web of material.” The recitations of“a web of material” or “the web of material” refer to leg gasketingsystem embodiments that may be formed from a single, continuous web ofmaterial, multiple webs of material that are joined together to becomeone web of material, or multiple distinct webs of material that areseparate from the disposable absorbent article chassis and form part ofthe leg gasketing system. All such embodiments are contemplated.

In some embodiments, the web of material is folded laterally inward(toward the longitudinal centerline 100 of the absorbent article 10) toform the outer cuff folded edge 79 and folded laterally outward (awayfrom the longitudinal centerline 100 of the absorbent article 10) toform the inner cuff folded edge 75.

The cuffs 71 may be attached to the chassis 20 and/or each other 72, 76by any suitable means. In an embodiment, the outer cuff 76 is attachedto the chassis 20 through one or more cuff attachment bonds 82 asillustrated in FIG. 8b . Further, a cuff attachment bond 82 may attachat least portion of web material in the outer cuff 76 to the opacitystrengthening patch 80 in at least a portion of the first waist region14 and at least a portion of the second waist region 18 (not shown).

In an embodiment, the inner cuff edge 73 comprises a folded edge 75 andthe outer cuff edge 77 comprises a folded outer cuff edge 79. In suchembodiment, at least a portion of the web material between the innercuff folded edge 75 and the outer cuff folded edge 79 can be attached toat least a portion of the web of material between the outer cuff foldededge 79 and the outer cuff material edge 78 in at least the crotchregion 16 and the first waist region 14. The attachment of the web ofmaterial between the inner cuff folded edge 75 and the outer cuff foldededge 79 to the web of material between the outer cuff folded edge 79 andthe outer cuff material edge 78 in at least the crotch region 16 and thefirst waist region 14 is made through utilization of one or more cuffseparation bonds 84. The leg gasketing system 70 may further comprise apocket 85 arising from the web of material between the inner cuff foldededge 75 and the outer cuff folded edge 79 being unattached to the web ofmaterial between the outer cuff folded edge 79 and the outer cuffmaterial edge 78 in one of the waist regions 14, 18 as shown in FIG. 8b. The pocket 85 may provide additional void volume within the leggasketing system 70 to receive exudates to help isolate fecal materialfrom the wearer's skin as well as contain exudates between the layers ofthe leg gasketing system 70 to prevent leakage. The pocket 85 maycomprise an opening created by a break in the cuff separation bond 84 ora series of breaks in the cuff separation bond 84. The pocket andopening can occur in the first waist region 14, the second waist region18 or the crotch region 16 as needed for the specific type of exudatesand particular situation where leakage prevention is desired. Attachmentof the outer cuff 76, the opacity patch 80 and/or inner cuff 72 and/orformation of the pocket 85 may be accomplished in accordance with thedisclosure of commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No.62/134,622. The leg gasketing system 70 may comprise one or morelongitudinally extending elastic members 55 as can be seen in FIG. 1.The pocket 85 may be free from elastics 55.

Opacity Strengthening Patch:

In some embodiments of the disposable absorbent articles detailedherein, an opacity strengthening patch 80 may be included as part of thechassis 20. The opacity strengthening patch 80 is an additional layer ofmaterial. The opacity strengthening patch 80 may be connected to the leggasketing system 70, the polymeric film layer, and/or the backsheet 26.The opacity strengthening patch 80 may be disposed between the backsheet26 and leg gasketing system 70 in either the first waist region 14, thesecond waist region 18, or both the first waist region 14 and the secondwaist region 18 of the article; the opacity strengthening patch 80 mayoverlap at least one of the leg gasketing system 70 and/or the polymericfilm layer (i.e., inner layer of the backsheet 26). The opacitystrengthening patch 80 may be attached to one or both of the leggasketing system 70 or the polymer film layer using any suitable meanssuch as glue, mechanical bonds, thermal bonds, or the like, so thatloads generated during the application process or during wear can betransferred from the lateral edge of the article to the leg gasketingsystem 70 and/or the polymeric film layer. The opacity strengtheningpatch is useful in providing the strength needed to prevent the articlefrom extending excessively during application and wearing; it also mayprovide opacity at the sides and waist to prevent the skin of the userfrom showing through the article. Thus, the patch 80 may be located atany portion of the chassis 20 where strength and opacity is desirable.Suitable opacity strengthening patches are disclosed in U.S. Pat. App.Nos. 62/134,622; 62/186,727.

Construction Materials:

It is recognized that there are many combinations of material lateraltensile properties that could form a substantially suitable forcetransmission pathway in the waist region or the article withoutexcessive lateral stretch in the waist region, and that the materialforce pathways may go from the opacity strengthening patch directly intothe polymeric film layer or into the polymeric film layer through avariety of other layers in the region immediately outboard the polymericfilm layer. These layers may include the topsheet, backsheet nonwoven,cuff, absorbent assembly, leg gasketing system, or any other layer thatis located in a region adjacent to the polymeric film layer.

In one embodiment, the material of the leg gasketing system 70 is madefrom a substantially liquid impervious material. The material may beselected from the group consisting of an SMS nonwoven, SMMS nonwovenmaterial, or a nonwoven component layer comprising “N-fibers”.

Various nonwoven fabric webs may comprise spunbond, meltblown, spunbond(“SMS”) webs comprising outer layers of spunbond thermoplastics (e.g.,polyolefins) and an interior layer of meltblown thermoplastics. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the leg gasketing cuff 70 comprisesa nonwoven component layer having fine fibers (“N-fibers”) with anaverage diameter of less than 1 micron (an “N-fiber layer”) may be addedto, or otherwise incorporated with, other nonwoven component layers toform a nonwoven web of material. In some embodiments, the N-fiber layermay be used to produce a SNS nonwoven web or SMNS nonwoven web, forexample. Suitable construction materials, including N-fibers, aredisclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62/134,622; 62/186,727.

Package

The absorbent articles 10 of the present disclosure may be placed intopackages. The packages may comprise polymeric films and/or othermaterials. Graphics and/or indicia relating to properties of theabsorbent articles may be formed on, printed on, positioned on, and/orplaced on outer portions of the packages. Each package may comprise aplurality of absorbent articles. The absorbent articles may be packedunder compression so as to reduce the size of the packages, while stillproviding an adequate amount of absorbent articles per package. Bypackaging the absorbent articles under compression, caregivers caneasily handle and store the packages, while also providing distributionsavings to manufacturers owing to the size of the packages.

Accordingly, packages of the absorbent articles of the presentdisclosure may have an In-Bag Stack Height of less than about 110 mm,less than about 105 mm, less than about 100 mm, less than about 95 mm,less than about 90 mm, less than about 85 mm, less than about 80 mm,less than about 78 mm, less than about 76 mm, less than about 74 mm,less than about 72 mm, or less than about 70 mm, specifically recitingall 0.1 mm increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formedtherein or thereby, according to the In-Bag Stack Height Test describedherein. Alternatively, packages of the absorbent articles of the presentdisclosure may have an In-Bag Stack Height of from about 70 mm to about110 mm, from about 70 mm to about 105 mm, from about 70 mm to about 100mm, from about 70 mm to about 95 mm, from about 70 mm to about 90 mm,from about 70 mm to about 85 mm, from about 72 mm to about 80 mm, orfrom about 74 mm to about 78 mm, specifically reciting all 0.1 mmincrements within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein orthereby, according to the In-Back Stack Height Test described herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example package 1000 comprising a plurality ofabsorbent articles 1004. The package 1000 defines an interior space 1002in which the plurality of absorbent articles 1004 are situated. Theplurality of absorbent articles 1004 are arranged in one or more stacks1006.

Combination of Embodiments

While embodiments are described separately herein for brevity andclarity, combinations of the various embodiments are contemplated andwithin the scope of the present disclosure.

-   -   A. An absorbent article for wearing about the lower torso of a        wearer, the absorbent article comprising:        -   a first waist region having a first waist edge, a second            waist region having a second waist edge, a crotch region            disposed between the first and second waist regions; and a            first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge;        -   a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an            absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet;            and        -   a waist gasketing element having an inboard lateral edge and            an outboard lateral edge, the waist gasketing element being            disposed in one of the first or the second waist regions and            joined to the chassis in a chassis attachment region,        -   wherein:        -   the chassis attachment region comprises a first zone            proximate to the outboard lateral edge and a second zone            disposed longitudinally inboard of the first zone,        -   each of the first and the second zones comprise one or more            chassis attachment bonds; and        -   the first zone differs from the second zone by bonding            technique, aggregate bond strength and/or total basis            weight.    -   B. The absorbent article of paragraph 1 wherein the first zone        comprises a first aggregate bond area and the second zone        comprises a second aggregate bond area, wherein the second        aggregate bond area is greater than the first aggregate bond        area, in particular wherein the second aggregate bond area is        from about 10% to about 20% greater than the first aggregate        bond area.    -   C. The absorbent article of paragraphs 1 or 2 wherein the first        zone comprises a first aggregate bond strength and the second        zone comprises a second aggregate bond strength, wherein the        second aggregate bond strength is greater than the first        aggregate bond strength.    -   D. The absorbent article of any of the preceding paragraphs        wherein the first zone comprises a first total basis weight and        the second zone comprises a second total basis weight, wherein        the second total basis weight is greater than the first total        basis weight, in particular wherein the second total basis        weight is from about 30% to about 50% greater than the first        total basis weight.    -   E. The absorbent article of any of the preceding claims, wherein        the outboard lateral edge is at least partially coextensive with        the waist edge of the one of the first or the second waist        regions.    -   F. The absorbent article of any of the preceding paragraphs        wherein the first zone comprises an adhesive chassis attachment        bond.    -   G. The absorbent article of paragraph F wherein the adhesive        chassis attachment bond is in the form of a first continuous        bar.    -   H. The absorbent article of paragraph F wherein the adhesive        chassis attachment bond comprises one or more open areas.    -   I. The absorbent article of any of the preceding paragraphs        wherein the second zone comprises a second adhesive chassis        attachment bond.    -   J. The absorbent article of paragraph I wherein the second        adhesive chassis attachment bond is in the form of a second        continuous bar.    -   K. The absorbent article of paragraph I wherein the second        adhesive chassis attachment bond comprises a web-like structure        having one or more open areas.    -   L. The absorbent article of any of the preceding paragraphs        wherein the first zone comprises an outboard bond edge that is        at least partially coextensive with the waist edge.    -   M. The absorbent article of any of the preceding paragraphs        wherein the waist gasketing element is disposed on the        body-facing side of the chassis.    -   N. The absorbent article of any of the preceding paragraphs        wherein the waist gasketing element is at least partially        disposed on the topsheet.    -   O. The absorbent article of any of the paragraphs A-L wherein        the waist gasketing element is at least partially disposed on        the garment-facing side of the chassis.    -   P. The absorbent article of any of the preceding paragraphs        wherein the waist gasketing element is at least partially        disposed on the leg gasketing system.    -   Q. The absorbent article of any of the preceding paragraphs        further comprising a second waist gasketing element disposed in        the other of the first or second waist regions, in particular        wherein the second waist gasketing element comprises a second        chassis attachment region having two or more zones wherein at        least two of the two or more zones comprise different bonding        techniques, aggregate bond strengths and/or total basis weights.    -   R. The absorbent article of any of the preceding paragraphs        wherein the chassis attachment bonds of the first zone are        formed by a different bonding technique than the chassis        attachment bonds of the second zone, in particular where the        different bonding techniques comprise a different combination of        bonding materials.    -   S. A method of forming a waist gasketing element of any of the        preceding paragraphs comprising the steps of:        -   providing a web of chassis material;        -   providing a plurality of waist gasketing elements, each            waist gasketing element having a first transverse edge and a            second transverse edge;        -   applying an adhesive on each waist gasketing element in a            chassis attachment region comprising a central zone and two            edge zones, and applying a greater amount of adhesive in at            least one of the edge zones than in the central zone, in            particular 30-50% more;        -   joining the waist gasketing elements to the web of chassis            material at the chassis attachment regions and thereby            forming a strip of final articles;        -   dividing the strip of final articles between the first and            second transverse edges of the waist gasketing elements such            that a cut separates two final articles, the two final            articles comprising a leading article and a trailing            article, wherein each cut:            -   is disposed at least partially within the central zone;            -   forms a back waist edge of the leading article and a                front waist edge of the trailing article; and            -   forms an outboard lateral edge of a back waist gasketing                element on the leading article and an outboard lateral                edge of a front waist gasketing element on the trailing                article.    -   T. A method of forming the absorbent article of any of        paragraphs A-R comprising the steps of:        -   providing a web of chassis material;        -   providing a plurality of waist gasketing elements, each            waist gasketing element having a first transverse edge and a            second transverse edge;        -   providing a chassis attachment region on each waist            gasketing element, the chassis attachment region comprising            a central zone and a first edge zone and a second edge zone;        -   applying a central bonding technique to the central zone and            a first edge bonding technique to the first edge zone,            wherein the central and first edge bonding techniques are            different;        -   joining the waist gasketing elements to the web of chassis            material at the chassis attachment regions and thereby            forming a strip of final articles;        -   dividing the strip of final articles between the first and            second transverse edges of the waist gasketing elements such            that a cut separates two final articles, the two final            articles comprising a leading article and a trailing            article, wherein each cut:            -   is disposed at least partially within the central zone;            -   forms a back waist edge of the leading article and a                front waist edge of the trailing article; and            -   forms an outboard lateral edge of a back waist gasketing                element on the leading article and an outboard lateral                edge of a front waist gasketing element on the trailing                article.    -   U. The absorbent article of paragraph T wherein the central and        first edge bonding techniques differ by one of the group of type        of bonding material, amount of bonding material, bonding method,        number of bonds, and/or aggregate bond area.    -   V. The absorbent article of paragraphs T or U further comprising        applying a second edge bonding technique to the second edge        zone, and wherein said second edge bonding technique is        different from the central bonding technique by one of the group        of the one bonding material, bonding method, number of bonds,        aggregate bond area, and/or aggregate bond strength.

Test Methods:

Bond Strength Test

The bond strength of the waist gasketing element and portions thereof ismeasured on a constant rate of extension tensile tester with computerinterface (a suitable instrument is the MTS Insight using Testworks 4.0Software, as available from MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, Minn.)using a load cell for which the forces measured are within 1% to 90% ofthe limit of the cell. Both the movable (upper) and stationary (lower)jaws are fitted with bar grips, wider than the width of the testspecimen. All testing is performed in a conditioned room maintained atabout 23° C.±2° C. and about 50%±2% relative humidity.

Program the tensile tester to perform a 180 degree peel test. Thecrosshead is moved at 63.5 mm/min until complete separation of the belt.Force and extension data are collected at a rate of 50 Hz.

Condition the sample articles at about 23° C.±2° C. and about 50%±2%relative humidity for at least two hours before testing. Stretch out andsecure the article to a lab bench with the back sheet facing upward. Cuta 2.54 mm wide specimen, through all layers of the article,perpendicular to the waist and centered along the longitudinalcenterline of the article. Extend the strip approximately 10 mm longerthan the longitudinal length of the waist band. Stretch the specimenstrip in the lateral direction to the full 2.54 mm width and secure tothe bench with the top sheet facing upward. Gently peel approximately 5mm of the waist band away from the chassis beginning at the proximal(inboard) edge of the waist band. Prepare ten (10) specimens from tenreplicate articles.

Set the gage length to 5.0 mm using a gage block. Zero the cross head.Insert the pre-peeled portion of the waist band into the upper grips,making sure the strip is perpendicular to the width of the grip. Theportion of the specimen in the grip is extended laterally to the full2.54 width. Close the upper grip. Place the chassis end of the specimeninto the bottom grips, insuring that the specimen is perpendicular tothe grip and eliminating any slack. The portion of the specimen in thegrip is extended laterally to the full 2.54 width. Close the bottomgrip. Zero the load cell. Start the tensile program and collect data.

Construct force (N) verses extension (mm) curve. Truncate the first 5.0mm and the last 5.0 mm of the curve. Divide the remaining curve into 3equal extension segments (mm). Calculate the average force (N) in thefirst segment (Inboard Edge of the Waist Element) and the third segment(Outboard/Distal Edge of the Waist Element) and record each to thenearest 0.001 N. In like fashion analyze all ten samples and report asthe average Inboard Edge Adhesion Strength (N) and Distal Edge AdhesionStrength (N). The Bond Strength Ratio is the average Inboard EdgeAdhesion Strength divided by the average Distal Edge Adhesion Strength.

In-Bag Stack Height Test

The in-bag stack height of a package of absorbent articles is determinedas follows:

Equipment

A thickness tester with a flat, rigid horizontal sliding plate is used.The thickness tester is configured so that the horizontal sliding platemoves freely in a vertical direction with the horizontal sliding platealways maintained in a horizontal orientation directly above a flat,rigid horizontal base plate. The thickness tester includes a suitabledevice for measuring the gap between the horizontal sliding plate andthe horizontal base plate to within ±0.5 mm. The horizontal slidingplate and the horizontal base plate are larger than the surface of theabsorbent article package that contacts each plate, i.e. each plateextends past the contact surface of the absorbent article package in alldirections. The horizontal sliding plate exerts a downward force of850±1 gram-force (8.34 N) on the absorbent article package, which may beachieved by placing a suitable weight on the center of thenon-package-contacting top surface of the horizontal sliding plate sothat the total mass of the sliding plate plus added weight is 850±1grams.

Test Procedure

Absorbent article packages are equilibrated at 23±2° C. and 50±5%relative humidity prior to measurement.

The horizontal sliding plate is raised and an absorbent article packageis placed centrally under the horizontal sliding plate in such a waythat the absorbent articles within the package are in a horizontalorientation (see FIG. 9). Any handle or other packaging feature on thesurfaces of the package that would contact either of the plates isfolded flat against the surface of the package so as to minimize theirimpact on the measurement. The horizontal sliding plate is loweredslowly until it contacts the top surface of the package and thenreleased. The gap between the horizontal plates is measured to within±0.5 mm ten seconds after releasing the horizontal sliding plate. Fiveidentical packages (same size packages and same absorbent articlescounts) are measured and the arithmetic mean is reported as the packagewidth. The “In-Bag Stack Height”=(package width/absorbent article countper stack)×10 is calculated and reported to within ±0.5 mm.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application and any patent application or patent to which thisapplication claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded orotherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission thatit is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimedherein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other referenceor references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention.Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in thisdocument conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in adocument incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assignedto that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An absorbent article for wearing about the lowertorso of a wearer, the absorbent article comprising: a first waistregion having a first waist edge, a second waist region having a secondwaist edge, a crotch region disposed between the first and second waistregions; and a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge; achassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent coredisposed between the topsheet and backsheet; and a waist gasketingelement having an inboard lateral edge, an outboard lateral edge, afirst longitudinal edge, and an opposing second longitudinal edge, thewaist gasketing element being disposed in one of the first or the secondwaist regions and joined to the chassis in a chassis attachment region,wherein: the chassis attachment region comprises a first zone proximateto the outboard lateral edge and coextensive with the first and secondlongitudinal edges, and a second zone disposed longitudinally inboard ofthe first zone and coextensive with the first and second longitudinaledges and the inboard lateral edge, the first zone comprising a single,substantially continuous bond in the form of a bar; the second zonecomprising a single, substantially continuous bond in the form of a bar;and the first zone comprises a first aggregate bond area and the secondzone comprises a second aggregate bond area, wherein the secondaggregate bond area is greater than the first aggregate bond area. 2.The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein the outboard lateral edge is atleast partially coextensive with the waist edge of the one of the firstor the second waist regions.
 3. The absorbent article of claim 2 whereinthe first zone comprises an outboard bond edge that is at leastpartially coextensive with the waist edge of the one of the first orsecond waist regions.
 4. The absorbent article of claim 1 wherein thefirst zone comprises an adhesive chassis attachment bond.
 5. Theabsorbent article of claim 1 wherein the second zone comprises a secondadhesive chassis attachment bond.
 6. The absorbent article of claim 5wherein the second adhesive chassis attachment bond is in the form of asecond continuous bar.
 7. The absorbent article of claim 5 wherein thesecond adhesive chassis attachment bond comprises a web-like structurehaving one or more open areas.
 8. The absorbent article of claim 1wherein the waist gasketing element is at least partially disposed onthe body-facing side of the chassis.
 9. The absorbent article of claim 1wherein the waist gasketing element is at least partially disposed onthe garment-facing side of the chassis.
 10. The absorbent article ofclaim 1 wherein the second aggregate bond area is from about 10% toabout 20% greater than the first aggregate bond area.
 11. An absorbentarticle for wearing about the lower torso of a wearer, the absorbentarticle comprising: a first waist region having a first waist edge, asecond waist region having a second waist edge, a crotch region disposedbetween the first and second waist regions; and a first longitudinaledge and a second longitudinal edge; a chassis comprising a topsheet, abacksheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet andbacksheet; and a waist gasketing element having an inboard lateral edge,an outboard lateral edge, a first longitudinal edge, and an opposingsecond longitudinal edge, the waist gasketing element being disposed inone of the first or the second waist regions and joined to the chassisin a chassis attachment region, wherein: the chassis attachment regioncomprises a first zone proximate to the outboard lateral edge andcoextensive with the first and second longitudinal edges, and a secondzone disposed longitudinally inboard of the first zone and coextensivewith the first and second longitudinal edges and the inboard lateraledge, the first zone comprising a single bond in the form of a web-likestructure having one or more open areas; the second zone comprising asingle, substantially continuous bond in the form of a bar; the firstzone comprises a first aggregate bond area and the second zone comprisesa second aggregate bond area, wherein the second aggregate bond area isgreater than the first aggregate bond area; and the first zone comprisesa first aggregate bond strength and the second zone comprises a secondaggregate bond strength, wherein the second aggregate bond strength isgreater than the first aggregate bond strength.
 12. The disposableabsorbent article of claim 11 wherein the waist gasketing elementcomprises a Bond Strength Ratio of at least 1.4.
 13. The disposableabsorbent article of claim 11 wherein the chassis attachment bonds ofthe first zone are formed by a different bonding technique than thechassis attachment bonds of the second zone.
 14. The absorbent articleof claim 11 where the different bonding techniques comprise differentcombinations of bonding materials.
 15. The absorbent article of claim 11wherein the waist gasketing element is at least partially disposed onthe body-facing side of the chassis.
 16. The absorbent article of claim11 wherein the waist gasketing element is at least partially disposed onthe garment-facing side of the chassis.
 17. An absorbent article forwearing about the lower torso of a wearer, the absorbent articlecomprising: a first waist region having a first waist edge, a secondwaist region having a second waist edge, a crotch region disposedbetween the first and second waist regions; and a first longitudinaledge and a second longitudinal edge; a chassis comprising a topsheet, abacksheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet andbacksheet; and a waist gasketing element having an inboard lateral edge,an outboard lateral edge, a first longitudinal edge, and an opposingsecond longitudinal edge, the waist gasketing element being disposed inone of the first or the second waist regions and joined to the chassisin a chassis attachment region, wherein: the chassis attachment regioncomprises a first zone proximate to the outboard lateral edge andcoextensive with the first and second longitudinal edges, and a secondzone disposed longitudinally inboard of the first zone and coextensivewith the first and second longitudinal edges and the inboard lateraledge, the first zone comprising a single bond in the form of a web-likestructure having one or more open areas; the second zone comprising asingle, substantially continuous bond in the form of a bar; the firstzone comprises a first aggregate bond area and the second zone comprisesa second aggregate bond area, wherein the second aggregate bond area isgreater than the first aggregate bond area; and the first zone comprisesa first total basis weight and the second zone comprises a second totalbasis weight, wherein the second total basis weight is greater than thefirst total basis weight.
 18. The absorbent article of claim 17 whereinthe second total basis weight is from about 30% to about 50% greaterthan the first total basis weight.
 19. The absorbent article of claim 17further comprising a second waist gasketing element disposed in theother of the first or second waist regions, wherein the second waistgasketing element comprises a second chassis attachment region havingtwo or more attachment zones, and wherein at least two of the attachmentzones comprise different basis weights.